John Scott lived in Albany during the second
half of the eighteenth century. Provincial records
later certified that John Scott served in the 60th Regiment of the British
army during the Seven Years War. As a non-commissioned
officer, he was awarded land in Tryon County. Perhaps he was the same
individual who owned land on the south side of the Mohawk River in 1752.
In any event, we seek defining information on his origins
and path to Albany.

In 1761, Scott was appointed constable for the first
ward. In 1766, he was named firemaster
for the first ward where owned a house and lot. In that year, he joined
with other Albany Sons of Liberty
in opposition to the Stamp Act. At that time, he was identified as a private
in an Albany militia company.

In 1775, he was commissioned an Ensign in the first regiment of the Albany
County militia. He served in the Albany militia - ultimately becoming
Captain of the Albany regiment. After the war, his name headed the regiment's
land bounty list.

Apparently a bachelor, in 1779
Scott lived in a first ward home with the "Widow Halliday." Perhaps she
was his sister. The house probably had
a shop attached. Scott
also leased additional lots
from the Albany government. In 1790,
his southside house was configured on the first Federal census.

John Scott died in July 1797 and was buried from the Albany Dutch
church.

notes

Sources: The life of John Scott is CAP biography
number 1800. This sketch raises
many questions about his life and is derived chiefly from community-based
resources. Was he the same John Scott who received Letters of Administration
on the estate of his father, Lieutenant John Scott who was stationed at
Albany in 1726?